In conversation with our CEO, Christophe Fouquet
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Management
What were the most significant milestones and challenges in 2025?
The far-reaching impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society and our industry became clear – a powerful trend that we believe will continue.
We have seen strong execution of our technology roadmap across the business, most particularly in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography with our TWINSCAN NXE:3800E system, the release of our first TWINSCAN EXE:5200B in full specification to our first customer, and the shipment of ASML’s first advanced packaging product, the TWINSCAN XT:260.
The outcome of our endeavors is clear to see in the performance of the business.
What technological breakthroughs have given you the greatest sense of pride?
If I had to pick just one, it would be EUV. Through major technological innovation, we made progress on reducing the cost of technology for our customers, which led to improved lithography intensity.
I would also like to highlight progress on multiple e-beam (multibeam), which I expect to be adopted more extensively.
Finally, 2025 saw us enter a landmark partnership with Mistral AI. The aim is to benefit our customers with faster time-to-market and higher performance holistic lithography systems, while also making ASML more efficient.
What progress did ASML make on its long-standing commitment to ESG?
We believe that leading the way on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues has always been the right thing to do. Over the years, we have established and systematically executed plans to achieve clear ESG targets, and this continued at pace during 2025.
How has ASML strengthened relationships with stakeholders?
We have further tightened our already sharp focus on two key areas in recent times. Firstly, we continue to roll out our customer team model, with teams that work more closely with customers than ever before. Secondly, we have been driving a transformation around the supply chain, to make sure we can work strategically with all our suppliers.
When it comes to our employees, input from the most recent employee engagement survey demonstrates a clear demand for us to simplify our processes, encourage ownership and create conditions where people can achieve their full potential.
How can ASML continue to stand out as an attractive employer for innovation talent?
Our culture – what we do, how we do it, how we behave – can play a major role here. People understand that ASML, together with our partners, is working to enable products and solutions that can solve complex societal challenges. We are a vibrant, exciting home of innovation where ambitious, talented people can make a real difference to the world. We need to continue to make ASML a great place to work.
How do you continue to drive innovation at ASML?
Our guiding principle is to always ask where we can add the most value and have the greatest impact for our customers. We saw an early result of this focus in 2025, when we shipped the first TWINSCAN XT:260. Going forward, we believe the new partnership with Mistral AI lays foundations that will allow us to improve our products, our processes, our efficiency and our performance.
How do you see 2026 shaping up, and what challenges do you expect?
If you look at the last two years, it is clear that we have been living in a time of uncertainty. But the flip side to uncertainty is opportunity – wide-ranging opportunities for our industry, for society and for ASML are rooted in the powerful shift to AI which we believe will continue to benefit us in 2026 and beyond. Our success will be built on the passion, talent and determination of our people.
